Whether you’re a new teacher setting up your dream classroom, or a veteran educator looking to breathe life into your space, there’s a myriad of products that can improve the atmosphere and instructional possibilities of your educational environment. From functional decor to cute accessories, with just a few new items your classroom can be transformed from all right to just right! Check out some of our favorite teacher supplies picks below and get inspired!
25 Essential Teacher Supplies for the School Year
10-Drawer Organizer Cart | Check price at | |
Reading Comprehension Cubes | Check price at | |
Dry Erase Lapboards | Check price at | |
Eureka Time Telling Bulletin Board Set Lowest Price | Check price at | |
Reusable Dry Erase Pockets | Check price at | |
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Magnetic Whiteboard Storage Pocket | Check price at |
1. 10-Drawer Organizer Cart
Looking for more storage but lacking on space? This 10-Drawer Organizer Cart from Seville Classics is a colorful, mobile solution to the problem. At 38 x 13 x 15 inches, it can hold supplies, loose papers and more, without taking up too much room. Redecorating? Simply roll the cart across the classroom to relocate, or check out some of the other sizes and colors to find the one that best suits your needs.
2. Reading Comprehension Cubes
Reading Comprehension Cubes are a great way to get the conversation “rolling” around a story or passage. The six foam cubes can be utilized in small groups or independently, to inspire your students to think deeply about their assignment. Red cube questions are posed before reading, blue during reading, and green post-reading. The questions range from straightforward to philosophical, with questions like “what lessons can you learn from the story?” to “what is the main idea?”
3. Dry Erase Lapboards
Pop quiz time! This set of twelve Dry Erase Lapboards from Charles Leonard can turn your classroom into a game show. From English to math, your students will love racing to find and share the answer to your question before their peers do! Use the lapboards as a quick assessment tool to make sure the class is on track. The set includes twelve lapboards, markers, erasers and convenient storage box.
4. Scotch Thermal Laminator
If you feel like you’re constantly walking to the main office to use the laminator, then check out the Scotch Thermal Laminator for smaller projects. The handy laminator will fit conveniently on your desk and can laminate one standard-size page per minute. Use it for classroom signs, DIY dry-erase worksheets, and much more! Purchase the laminator with pouches to save money, and start using right away.
5. Monogrammed Coach Whistle
This Monogrammed Coach Whistle from Etsy shop netexchange makes a great gift for coaches and teachers alike. This high-shine whistle can come in handy whether you’re getting the attention of an assembly, leading PE class or on recess duty. With a name engraving, you won’t have to worry about losing it on school grounds. Choose from fifteen fonts and four different designs to make a custom whistle that suits your personality.
6. Eureka Time Telling Bulletin Board Set
Telling time all the time? With the Eureka Time Telling Bulletin Board Set, young students can more readily read an analog clock. Simply place the cutouts around the clock to give your students an extra hand in telling the time. The kit also includes six punch out clocks with adjustable hands, “time for _____” plaques, and other useful accents. “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
7. Reusable Dry Erase Pockets
Reusable Dry Erase Pockets from C-Line are an economical way to preserve frequently used worksheets and handouts. Protect papers in the dry erase pockets, and provide your class with dry erase markers for writing or drawing. When class is over, simply wipe down the pockets and reuse. Convenient hanging holes at the top let you safely display student work or classroom information.
8. Mad Science Helium Balloons
Host the coolest party in school with the Mad Science Helium Balloons from Etsy shop NerdyWordsGifts. Teach your students about the periodic table, and demonstrate just how helium floats with these colorful latex balloons. (Or celebrate the end of the year with these high-flying mad science decorations.) Mix and match colors for a pack of eight: yellow, lime, orange, aqua, blue, red, pink, and lilac.
9. Student Grouping Pencils
These Student Grouping Pencils from Learning Resources make picking groups easier than ever. Simply hand out the pencils to your class, and group them based on color, shape or number. The three different sorting options give you more control over which students end up in which group. Personalize the pencils by writing student names or prompts on the blank space. The set includes thirty-six sorting pencils in a convenient storage jar.
10. Bernie’s Ceiling Hooks
Proudly display your students’ work with Bernie’s Ceiling Hooks. Designed for use with standard drop-ceilings, these hooks have helped teachers adorn classrooms across the county. They are easy to install and can hold up to ten pounds of weight–which means you’re not just limited to hanging papers and posters. Try light plants or twinkle lights for extra classroom flair!
11. Trolley Dolly
Take a load off (your morning walk to the classroom) with the Trolley Dolly from dbest products. The convenient carrying solution includes seven compartments (including drink pocket) and an 110-pound capacity. The dolly is designed for all-weather use, with durable, wide wheels for varied terrain. Ideal for transporting papers, binders and other documents from home to school. The Trolley Dolly is available in a number of fun colors and patterns, including chevron, stripes, and solid designs. Remove the carrying case and use the dolly to transport other small objects.
12. Printable Teacher Planner
Looking for unlimited teacher organization? Look no further than the Printable Teacher Planner from CutiesPrintable. Customize your organization solution by printing exactly what you need—from a seating chart to a professional development plan, substitute teacher information to a volunteer sign-up. Save time making documents, and have more time for important classroom tasks. Next school year, simply print another copy and start fresh!
13. Magnetic Whiteboard Storage Pocket
If you find yourself walking back and forth across the classroom looking for the last place you left your whiteboard marker, consider an easier solution in the Magnetic Whiteboard Storage Pocket from Learning Resources. The magnetic pocket has two compartments for storing markers, erasers, and any other classroom tools you need. At 8 x 11 inches, you’ll have all of your supplies accessible and on hand at all times.
14. Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book
Break time! Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book is just what you need to relax and find your “zen moment” in the middle of a hectic teaching day. This adult coloring book is filled with funny and inspiring quotes for teachers placed on a chalkboard background. Break out your classroom markers and get coloring. “When inspiring and shaping the future of the world gets to be too much, flip open this Coloring Book for Grown Ups for some laughs and love!”
15. Wireless Presenter
This Wireless Presenter from Doosl makes PowerPoints and projectors a breeze. Click between slides, and use the bright red laser pointer to highlight important information. Compatible with popular presentation programs like PowerPoint, Keynote and Prezi. No complicated installation required—simply connect the presenter via USB to your computer to get started.
16. Teacher Name Stamp
So sweet! Personalize documents and send-home letters with this Teacher Name Stamp from stampcouture. Send your name to the artists, and they’ll ship you a custom, handmade stamp with your last name and initial in the center of the apple design in just 5-7 days. Stampcouture also offers nine unique stamp pads (for an additional fee) so you can get stamping right away! Stamp is approximately 1.5″ in diameter.
17. Thumball Who Are You?
Thumball Who Are You? is the ultimate in icebreaker activities. The eight inch, synthetic leather ball will help your class or group get talking right away. Make up a number of different games to help your students get to know one another. From “name something you can draw” to “happiest memory,” the imprinted questions are sure to provoke conversation. Use it at the beginning of the school year, or as a class at the end of a long week to unwind and build new connections. Check out Thumball’s wide collection of activity balls, which include ball-themes like, conflict resolution, physical activity, emotions, and categories.
18. Time Tracker Mini
The Time Tracker Mini “facilitates independent time management skills and helps children and adults who have difficulty transitioning from one task to another” through audio and visual clues. Decide the total time of your project, set the overall timer (from five minutes to two hours), and the warning timer. The time tracker will turn yellow to indicate when the project is about to end and red when it is over. An optional alarm can provide an audio cue. With the Time Tracker Mini, you can help students stay on task and increase productivity.
19. Guided Reading Strips
Guided Reading Strips are an assistive technology ideal for reading and comprehension. The strips are especially useful for students with dyslexia, or who are often distracted during reading activities (but are helpful for anyone!). The strips block out surrounding text to help the reader focus on the line they are reading. Hand them out with your next class reading assignment as bookmarks, or give them out as class incentives.
20. Personalized 2-Sided Clipboard
This Personalized 2-Sided Clipboard from SnappysBoutique is a stylish improvement from standard office equipment. The artist offers over seventy background designs to choose from, and a variety of shapes, fonts, and colors for the name frame. At 9 x 12.5 inches, you can keep track of all of your most important papers on both sides of the clipboard. Bonus: use it as an impromptu whiteboard in a pinch.
21. My Fidget Friend
Find yourself saying “sit still!” to your students, day in and day out? Try My Fidget Friend for a durable solution to “the wiggles.” They toy “promotes focus and concentration, and helps relieve stress and anxiety.” This pack of ten fidgets makes a great start to a classroom set and includes two of each color: red, blue, green, purple and yellow. Reviewers say the fidget has helped their children with ADD, OCD, autism, and behavioral and sensory issues.
22. Picnic Time Portable Seat
As a teacher, you likely find yourself on-the-go more often than not. From supporting your students at a sports match to organizing the school play, you’re likely running around even after the bell. Stay comfortable and always have a place to sit with the Picnic Time Portable Seat from Onica. The durable design is made from a steel frame, foam seat and polyester cover, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Recline in comfort in six different positions, and bring the chair anywhere with the handy carrying strap.
23. Answer Buzzers
Game on! Engage your students in group activities with Answer Buzzers from Learning Resources. Pose a question, allow students to collaborate on an answer, and be the first group in with the correct response. Four unique sounds mean you’ll be able to identify which group locked-in first. Designed for children ages three and up.
24. Green Grammar Pencils
Bad grammar driving you nuts? Their, they’re, no need to worry ;) These Green Grammar Pencils will remind your students to think about proper word usage when working on a writing assignment. Check out other fun grammar pencils from shop owner NewtonAndTheApple, like “Know your its from your it’s!” Whether they improve your classes’ grammar or not, these pencils will be sure to lighten the classroom mood. It really isn’t two hard when your getting help were you need it. (Oops!)
25. Keurig K15 Single-Serve Coffee Maker
There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee in the middle (and beginning, and end…) of a long day at work. Turn your break-time into a mini-cafe with the Keurig K15 Single-Serve Coffee Maker. Brew a fresh cup anytime, anywhere with this reservoir-less appliance. At just 11 x 7 x 11 inches, the Keurig coffee maker will fit comfortably in even the smallest of classrooms. Match your decor with black, red, or platinum finishes.
Some pretty cool teacher supplies here. What do you think of our list? What have we left out that you absolutely can’t work without in your classroom? Let us know in the comments.
Feature image courtesy of Unsplash, Tim Gouw.